Business Requirements

Term from Consulting industry explained for recruiters

Business Requirements refers to the detailed description of what a company needs to achieve its goals or solve specific problems. Think of it as a clear shopping list that tells everyone what needs to be done, why it's important, and what success looks like. When consultants mention Business Requirements in their resume, they're talking about their experience in figuring out what businesses need, documenting these needs clearly, and making sure everyone involved understands them. This process is sometimes called "requirements gathering" or "business analysis."

Examples in Resumes

Led team in gathering and documenting Business Requirements for a major retail client's digital transformation

Conducted stakeholder interviews to define Business Requirements and Requirements Documentation for new HR system

Translated complex Business Requirements into actionable project plans for implementation team

Typical job title: "Business Analysts"

Also try searching for:

Business Analyst Requirements Analyst Business Systems Analyst Business Consultant Requirements Manager Solutions Consultant Process Analyst

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: Tell me about a time when business requirements were unclear or conflicting. How did you handle it?

Expected Answer: Look for answers that show experience in managing stakeholder expectations, resolving conflicts, and finding practical solutions. They should mention techniques for prioritizing requirements and negotiating with different departments.

Q: How do you ensure business requirements align with company strategy?

Expected Answer: Strong answers should discuss methods for connecting project requirements to bigger business goals, stakeholder management, and experience presenting to executive teams.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What methods do you use to gather business requirements?

Expected Answer: Candidates should mention interviews, workshops, surveys, observation, and document analysis. They should explain how they choose the right method for different situations.

Q: How do you validate that the requirements you've gathered are correct?

Expected Answer: Look for answers about reviewing with stakeholders, creating prototypes or mock-ups, and getting sign-off from key people in the business.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What's the difference between business requirements and technical requirements?

Expected Answer: Should explain that business requirements focus on what the business needs to achieve, while technical requirements detail how to build the solution.

Q: How do you document business requirements?

Expected Answer: Should mention basic documentation methods like requirement lists, use cases, or user stories, and explain the importance of clear, understandable writing.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic requirement gathering techniques
  • Documentation writing
  • Stakeholder communication
  • Understanding business processes

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Advanced interviewing techniques
  • Requirements analysis and validation
  • Project scope management
  • Process improvement

Senior (5+ years)

  • Strategic thinking and analysis
  • Complex stakeholder management
  • Change management
  • Requirements governance

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Unable to explain requirements in simple terms
  • No experience working directly with business stakeholders
  • Lack of documentation skills
  • Poor communication or listening skills